Stereo VideoMic X. Broadcast On-Camera Stereo Microphone. INSTRUCTION MANUAL ENGLISH

Transcription

1 1 Stereo VideoMic X Broadcast On-Camera Stereo Microphone INSTRUCTION MANUAL ENGLISH

2 2 Features 3 Compact true condenser stereo microphone Heavy duty, lightweight aluminium alloy body Broadcast recording quality ½ externally biased true condenser capsules, acoustically matched. Integrated shock mount provides isolation from handling and mechanical noise Integrated professional Mini-XLR balanced stereo output for professional camera use Detailed control Three step high-pass filter (0, 75H Hz, 150Hz) Three position level control (-10dB, 0dB, +20dB) High frequency boost (+6dB) LED power on/low battery indicator Integrated billeted metal camera shoe mount with 3/8 thread for easy boompole mounting Integrated digital switching with power On/Off delay 3.5mm stereo minijack output

3 Features cont. Warranty 4 5 High quality performance 9V battery powered over 30 hours use (alkaline) P48 phantom power via Mini XLR Register your SVMX now and validate your free 10 year warranty. Scan the QR code with a smartphone, or visit warranty.rodemic.com/stereovideomicx Flexible and lightweight removable 3.5mm stereo cable (to minimise handling noise and ensure isolation) Premium pop shield and wind shield provided for protection in all situations. Australian designed and manufactured The Stereo VideoMic X is covered by a limited warranty for one (1) year from the date of purchase. This can be extended free of charge to a full ten (10) year warranty by registering your microphone online at warranty.rodemic.com/stereovideomicx 10 Year Warranty* *Online registration required

4 6 Specifications 7 Acoustic Principle Polar Pattern Pressure Gradient Cardioid Sensitivity -32 db re 1V/Pa 94dB SPL) ± 1kHz Dynamic Range 131 db SPL Frequency Range 40Hz ~ 20kHz Power requirements 9V alkaline battery Frequency Range (High Pass Filter) Variable Level 0, 75, 150Hz -10, 0, +20dB Output Connection 3.5 Stereo mini jack plug (dual mono), Tip left channel, Ring right channel, Dual Mini XLR output (P48 compatible) Output Impedence 200Ω Battery Life 30 hours Signal to Noise Ratio 82 dba SPL (as per IEC651) Weight (No Battery) 300g Equivalent Noise 12 dba SPL (as per IEC651) Dimension (W x L x H) 102mm x 118mm x 100mm Maximum SPL 143dB SPL

5 Specifications Control overview 8 9 Polar Response db rel. 1V/Pa High frequency boost control button +6 0 On/off power button Frequency: 500 Hz: 1000 Hz: 4000 Hz: db± Frequency Response 75Hz HPF 150Hz HPF High Boost Level control button High pass filter switch control button

6 10 Powering the SVMX 11 Installing the battery Before you can record with your Stereo VideoMic X, you will need to install a standard 9V battery (ANS1:1604A or IEC:6LR61), or connect the microphone via the Mini XLR connections with individual 48v phantom power supplied for each channel. RØDE recommends using a high quality lithium or alkaline battery to achieve the best possible battery life. To install the battery, open the battery cover that is located on the left hand side of the Stereo VideoMic X. To remove the cover, hold the microphone in one hand, and push the indentation across with your index finger to un-latch the battery door. STEREO VIDEOMIC X MADE IN AUSTRALIA Diagram 1 - Push the indentation accross to un-latch battery door

7 Powering the SVMX Insert the battery with the negative terminal (-) on the bottom as shown in Diagram 2. The correct battery orientation is also shown on the inside of the battery cover. If the battery orientation is not correct you will be unable to close the battery door. Replace the cover by simply pushing the door closed until it locks into place. The cover will push the battery against its spring terminal during installation. 9V Diagram 2 - Insert 9V battery Diagram 3 - Push the cover until it locks into place

8 Powering the SVMX Mounting the SVMX The Stereo VideoMic X will run continuously for over 30 hours with a high quality alkaline or lithium battery. Battery performance may vary depending on ambient temperature and battery shelf life, so it is wise to always carry a spare battery. We suggest always installing a fresh battery when the application is critical, with no opportunity to re-shoot. Always remember to switch off the Stereo VideoMic X when not in use, by holding the power button for approximately two seconds. Mounting and connecting your Stereo VideoMic X The Stereo VideoMic X incorporates a standard camera shoe mount on the underside of microphone body. The camera shoe mount has a 3/8 thread at the bottom to additionally allow mounting on tripods and boompoles. Some older model and low-cost cameras may produce a higher level of mechanical noise, which can be picked up by the Stereo VideoMic X. The integrated high-pass filter should be switched on to reduce the resulting low frequency rumble. Diagram 4 - The power indicator LED will turn red to indicate a low battery level.

9 Mounting the SVMX Connecting the SVMX Before sliding the camera shoe into place, loosen the fastening ring by turning anti-clockwise until it is loose enough to fit easily into your camera s shoe mount. Once the shoe is in place, gently tighten by turning the fastening ring clockwise until the Stereo VideoMic X is seated firmly in place. The Stereo VideoMic X delivers a mic-level signal to the video camera via the stereo minijack audio port on the underside of the microphone body, or via the Mini XLR output connections on the right hand side of the Stereo VideoMic X body. Connecting via Minijack: To connect to your camera via the 3.5mm minijack connection, first connect the red cable supplied with your microphone to the socket on the underside of the Stereo VideoMic X. The minijack should be connected to the camera via the camera s audio-in socket refer to your video camera user manual for the location of the socket on your camera model. Now that you have the Stereo VideoMic X securely fastened to your camera and the audio output lead connected, you can switch the microphone on and start recording. Connecting via Mini XLR: To connect the Stereo VideoMic X to a professional recording device via the mini XLR connectors, lift the protective cover on the side of the microphone to expose the mini XLR jacks. Ensuring that the levels on your recording device are set to zero, connect a mini XLR cable (available separately) to each of the two jacks on the microphone, followed by the corresponding ends on your recording device. Power on the microphone and then increase the recording levels of your recording device as required. Diagram 5 - Twist the fastening ring anti-clockwise to loosen

10 General operation Powering the Stereo VideoMic X To turn the microphone on, first press and hold the power putton until the power symbol lights up. The power indicator LED is located within the power button. This LED will display a green light indicating a healthy battery level. When the battery runs low the LED will remain red and you should replace the battery. The microphone will work for over two hours once the red indicator is lit, however with reduced performance. RØDE recommends changing the battery as soon as possible after the LED has turned red. Diagram 6 - Press the power buttong until the power symbol lights

11 20 General operation 21 High-pass filter switch The high-pass filter (HPF) is a low frequency cut-off setting, which you can use to reduce rumble and other low frequency noise picked up by the microphone while recording. For instance, it may be helpful to engage the high-pass filter to cut out the sound of air conditioning, handling noise while adjusting focus settings and distant traffic audible in the background. To engage the high-pass filter, press the center button on the back of the microphone. The Stereo VideoMic X will cycle through each setting as the button is pressed, and the green LED will indicate the position that is currently selected Diagram 7 - High pass filter switch control button

12 General operation Level control The Stereo VideoMic X features three settings to control the signal output level to your recording device. These are set via the lowest selector button on the back of the microphone. The lowest setting (-10) will reduce or attenuate the signal by 10dB, meaning that loud sound sources will be reduced and be less likely to overload or clip the input of the recording device. The middle setting (0dB) is the nominal gain setting of the microphone for use in ideal recording conditions. The highest setting (+20) will increase the signal level by 20dB. This is useful for recording quiet sound sources, or when your camera requires a higher input level for better signal to noise ratio (as in many digital SLR cameras). Please note that when setting the input level you should always be mindful of your camera s internal audio level setting. If you have the +20dB level selected on the Stereo VideoMic X you may need to reduce the input level on your camera. Diagram 8 - Level control button db± For best results when recording to DSLR cameras, reduce the camera s input level as much as possible, selecting the +20dB input level on the Stereo VideoMic X and working downward until the appropriate input level is achieved. This will result in a much lower noise floor and an overall clearer recording when plugging the Stereo VideoMic X into the typically low quality mic preamps found on most DSLR cameras.

13 General operation The Stereo VideoMic X has been designed to work best with the camera s auto-gain control (AGC) switched off. (see your camera s user manual for instructions on setting the gain control to manual) As always, it is recommended to test your audio first before recording anything of importance. The Stereo VideoMic X has been RF/EMI shielded for very high rejection of radio frequency interference, but we suggest you keep all transmitters, cell phones, pagers etc. at least two metres away to reduce the possibility of interference affecting your recordings. When engaged, the high frequency boost will apply a +6db shelf from 3kHz upwards, adding overall clarity to the recorded signal High frequency boost control The Stereo VideoMic X features a unique high frequency boost, which is designed to help pick out high frequency detail such as voices in a recording environment. The boost will also combat any high frequency loss experienced with the use of wind protection. The high frequency boost function is engaged via the top button on the back of the microphone body. Diagram 9 - High frequency boost control button

14 Selecting & Fitting Wind Shields A premium pop shield and wind shield is provided with the Stereo VideoMic X for the ultimate in wind protection for all situations. Pop shield: The pop shield is designed to protect the Stereo VideoMic X capsules from very light air movement such as a gentle breeze, and has been designed to be acoustically transparent, whilst still providing wind protection. It is also useful for protecting the microphone from the noise caused by fast camera movements, like tracking or dolly shots. from a high quality synthetic fur mounted on a low-density foam, with a rubber lip that provides a tight seal around the microphone body. Although the wind shield is designed to be as acoustically transparent as possible, we recommend engaging the high frequency boost feature on the Stereo VideoMic X to combat the slight loss of high frequency detail experienced when covering any microphone capsule. In very strong wind the combination of wind shield, high boost and high-pass filter can be used to best effect. To fit or remove the pop shield, simply squeeze it on the sides (labelled with the RODE logo) to allow it to fit over the microphone capsules. Wind shield: The wind shield is designed to protect the Stereo VideoMic X capsules from light breezes to heavy wind, and is recommended for use in all outdoor shooting situations, where wind gusts can often be unexpected and unpredictable. The wind shield is made Diagram 10 - Pop shield (left) and wind shield (right)

15 Additional tips and tricks Safety & maintenance For additional recording tips and tricks, please visit the RØDE University RØDE s free online microphone training website ( www. rodeuniversity.com ). Check out the Broadcast recording semester for tutorials most relevant to the Stereo VideoMic X. For more entertaining videos, you may also wish to visit RØDE TV ( ) featuring a wide range of demos, reviews, interviews and behind-the-scenes clips for anyone interested in music, audio and recording. When not in use, always keep your Stereo VideoMic X in a cool, dry place, preferably in a camera bag or equivalent to protect from dust or damage. When not in use for long periods of time, remove the battery before storage. Do not expose the Stereo VideoMic X to rain or moisture. It is recommended that the pop shield be left on at all times possible to protect the microphone and sensitive capsules from damage, dust and moisture. In instances where the microphone has become exposed to the elements and the foam has become moist or dirty, it may be necessary to remove the foam gently and dry it separately to the microphone body to prevent moisture from damaging the microphone. Take care in this operation so as not to damage or tear the foam during removal. The foam windshield can be hand washed in cold water, then dried thoroughly in the sun before refitting. Inside the Stereo VideoMic X box, you will find a sachet of moisture absorbent crystals. Please retain these crystals and store with the Stereo VideoMic X to keep the microphone in ideal condition.

16 Safety & maintenance Support Eventually this pack of crystals will need to be dried. This is indicated by the crystals turning pink in colour. They can easily be re-used by placing them in an oven at degrees Celsius for approximately ten minutes. The crystals will operate effectively again once they have turned blue. The Stereo VideoMic X has no internal user serviceable parts. Should you encounter a problem, please refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. If you experience any problem, or have any questions regarding your RØDE microphone, first contact the dealer who sold it to you. If the microphone requires a factory authorised service, return will be organised by that dealer. We have an extensive distributor/dealer network, but if you have difficulty getting the advice or assistance you require, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. Alternatively please visit for contact details and a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Importers & distributors For a full list of international importers and distributors, visit our website at